We are looking for a PhD candidate in the field of machine learning and medical image analysis, in a project that will be carried out in collaboration with Prof. Philipp Berens’ research lab at the University of Tübingen. The main goal of the project is to advance performance on medical imaging semantic segmentation techniques by producing clinically plausible solutions; and, consequently, develop uncertainty-aware predictive models for treatment decision making in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. This PhD position is funded by the Amsterdam Unit of ELLIS (the European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems).

What are you going to do

As part of your PhD, you will develop new deep learning solutions for the analysis of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for treatment decision making. Specifically, you will address the challenges of creating uncertainty-aware decision-making algorithms based on clinically plausible semantic segmentation of OCT scans. You will be embedded in the qurAI group, an interfaculty, multidisciplinary group between the Institute of Informatics of the University of Amsterdam and the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics of the Amsterdam University Medical Center (AUMC). We focus on the development, validation and clinical integration of AI solutions for data analysis challenges in healthcare. The group aims at designing and enabling socially responsible AI innovations in healthcare. You will work under the supervision of Prof. Clarisa Sánchez from the qurAI, who will also serve as your promotor. You will also work in close collaboration with dr. Erik Bekkers, from the Amsterdam Machine Learning Lab (AMLAB) at University of Amsterdam, as well as Prof. Philipp Berens at the University of Tübingen.

You are expected to:

• complete and defend a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years;
• publish and present your work in journals and international conferences;
• be an active part of the qurAI group and their activities;
• assist in educational activities and supervision of bachelor and master students.

While you will be based in Amsterdam, you will be required to spend some time in Tübingen (a total of 12 months over the four year PhD trajectory).

What do you have to offer

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Engineering or a related subject;
• previously demonstrated interest in machine learning, deep learning and medical image analysis, in the form of coursework, projects and academic publications, and an affinity with medical topics;
• good programming skills, particularly in Python and ML-related libraries;
• high motivation in pursuing academic research;
• fluency in English, both written and spoken.

Our offer

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is as soon as possible. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2,541 to € 3,247 (scale P). This does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile PhD Candidate (Promovendus) is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January.
• Multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre.
• A complete educational program for PhD students.
• Multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff.
• Multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses.
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary.
• Partly paid parental leave.
• The possibility to set up a workplace at home.
• A pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution.
• The possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch.
• Help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.

Job application

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 31 July 2022. You can apply online via this link.

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your CV should be submitted in one single pdf file):

• A detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
• A letter of motivation.

Please use the CV field to upload your resume as a separate pdf document. Use the Cover Letter field to upload the other requested documents, including the motivation letter, as one single pdf file. Only complete applications received within the response period via the indicated link will be considered.

The interviews will be held in the course of 10 days after closing date.